The tragic deaths of 19 firefighters at a wildfire in Arizona underscore the dangers that these brave men and women face every summer. It's almost inconceivable to think of that many experienced firefighters being lost in a single blaze.

Yet as Arizonans mourn this devastating loss, the rest of the nation is bracing for similar fires in the dry season that is just beginning.

Rainfall is expected to be low again, and some parts of Texas are already dealing with drought conditions. In the regular legislative session that just ended, rural firefighters didn't get the funding they wanted, even though most departments are manned by volunteers.

Rural counties will have to do all they can now to be ready for whatever lies ahead. Burn bans and even fireworks bans for this July Fourth will be common. Residents can help their communities a lot by honoring these guidelines until the rains finally return.